Listen Live
Home Blog Page 17

County to host several Municipal Development Plan information sessions

The county is set to host several Municipal Development Plan information sessions to share plans for long-term growth and development in the region.

According to the County of Grande Prairie the five sessions, which will be held in person and online will give people the chance to see the proposed key findings from previous consultations that have been put into the MDP. This includes the current state of the county, along with the different industries, and infrastructure in the region.

Once finalized the MDP will serve as the long-term plan for land uses and future development in the community. Officials say the plan will help growth in the community over the next 50 years be sustainable, while also meeting the needs of those who live here.

County Planning Director Reed Desroches says the feedback they received from residents during the consultation process was extremely valuable and led to several changes being incorporated into the draft, including an updated land use concept for the County.

“The proposed MDP ensures the County is growing in a way that aligns with the vision residents have for our County,” Reed says.

In-person information sessions will be held in La Grace, Hythe and Teepee Creek between June 23rd and 26th. At these in-person events, there reportedly will be boards that outline the land-use bylaws for hamlets, development areas, permitted types of growth, and protected areas. As well these events will be a chance to review the proposed changes and ask questions, plus give feedback.

The event schedule includes:

La Glace
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: La Glace Twilight Centre,
9936 97 Ave La Glace

Hythe
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hythe Community Centre,
10108 104 Ave Hythe

Teepee Creek
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Teepee Creek Community Hall,
33071 Highway 674, County of Grande Prairie

Virtual information sessions

As well there will be an online session on June 26th and July 3rd that residents can register for.

A copy of the proposed draft can be found here. 

Enjoy the water but be safe: Water safety tips from GP Technical Search and Rescue

As the weather heats up and people look to cool down in the different bodies of water around Alberta, Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue is reminding everyone to keep safety in mind. 

According to the reminder, before heading out it is important to spend some time and money to ensure you are properly outfitted for the adventure. 

This includes investing in and wearing a proper life jacket, as it is the most effective piece of safety equipment someone can use on the water as most water incidents happen quickly and without warning. It is also important to make sure whatever piece of equipment is being used on the water is in good condition and has the required safety equipment on board. 

For those planning on being in cold water, it is also important to know the risks as the effects of being immersed in cold water can be immediate and life-threatening. 

The final reminder is to not to drink and boat for the safety of not just yourself but others on the water. 

All evacuation orders lifted in County of Grande Prairie

0

The County of Grande Prairie has lifted all evacuation orders that were in place because of the Kiskatinaw River wildfire. 

As of 5 p.m. Friday, anyone who lives north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/ Alberta border to Range Road 132 can now return home, however, this area will remain on evacuation alert with people being ready to leave with as little as 30 minutes notice. 

People returning to the area are advised they may see smoke and that is to be expected, but if they see any flames to call 911. 
 
Officials say even with the rainfall the area is still in drought conditions and there is still a province-wide fire ban in effect in the forest protection areas. 

On Thursday night those who live east of Range Road 132 to Range Road 130 between Township Road 710 and Township Road 740 were also allowed to return home.

St. John Paul II graduate receives prestigious scholarship

A local high school graduate is the recipient of a $100,000 scholarship for the next step in his education at the University of Calgary.

St. John Paul II graduate Nabeel Malik is the recipient of the Schulich Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship is described as being awarded to the top entrepreneurial-minded Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics talent across the Country. 

According to a post from the High School, Malik was part of organizing a city-wide colour run to promote wellness, has served as a lifeguard not only protecting swimmers but educating them as well, and helped patients in the emergency room feel seen and supported. 

A post from the school reads, “Nabeel leads with compassion and integrity. He’s a role model through his involvement in school clubs like Envirothon, Student Council, Parent Council, as well as a passionate advocate for young people through the Youth Advisory Committee.”

He is graduating high school with excellence in academics and was also awarded the JPII Class Ambassador for the Graduating Class of 2025.

Evacuation area reduced in county, Kiskatinaw River wildfire remains classified as out of control

0

The County of Grande Prairie has reduced the Kiskatinaw River wildfire evacuation area, allowing those who live east of Range Road 132 to Range Road 130 between Township Road 710 and Township Road 740 to return home.

The area remains under an evacuation alert, meaning residents should be prepared to leave with a minimum of 30 minutes notice. 

An evacuation order remains in effect for everyone north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/ Alberta border to Range Road 132.

According to officials because of recent rainfall, favourable weather conditions in the evacuation area and the continued work being done by firefighting crews, those in these areas are able to return home.

As of 5:33 p.m. Thursday, the Kiskatinaw River wildfire was 26,628 hectares and remains classified as out of control. 

Swanavon students stir up community spirit during Lemonade Fundraiser

0

Ahead of Lemonade Day on Saturday, Grande 1 students at Svanavon School took to the streets for their sugary twist on the annual miniature entrepreneur day.

Teacher Ashley Sunde says the two-day event was put together by students, as part of the new social studies curriculum in Grade 1 students are expected to know how to work as a team and cooperate. Sunde says another component is the need to learn about the community and the importance of helping each other, which is why they chose a lemonade stand, with all proceeds going to Bandaged Paws.

“The kids have been looking forward to it for a month; they’ve been planning extensively, making posters, trying to get the word out telling the other grades about it,” she says.

“It was important to the kids, they all really love animals and want to see the money going to a good cause.”

Sunde says it’s a wonderful feeling to see such young minds flourish and thrive as they continue to learn skills that will set them up for great success in the future.

“It’s important to me to see that they can actually make a difference and do something, we are actually getting out there and selling to the community. We’ve already had people stop at the side of the road and our whole school has come together to support us,” she adds.

The kids will be back out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday to finish off the second of the two-day Lemonade fundraiser.

$1 million new friends in the bank of a Bezanson woman

A Bezanson woman has seven new favourite numbers that won her $1 million. 

Mijeen Naude was one of five MAXMILLIONS winners in the May 9th LOTTO MAX draw. She says she was sitting in her car waiting on her daughter when scanned her ticket on the Lotto Spot app.

“All these zeroes came up as my daughter was getting in and I couldn’t believe it,” she states. “I showed my daughter and then she told me we should show up at my husband’s work to tell him.”

According to Naude, her husband did not believe her at first and thought something was wrong. But the pair are excited to enjoy the money together and are dreaming up how to do just that. 

“We’re going to buy a car, get our bills paid, and invest,” she says. “We were thinking we would
never retire so now we are relieved.”

She adds the pair also have travel plans in mind, she says she would like to visit Vancouver Island and take a trip to West Edmonton Mall. 

Naude purchased her winning LOTTO MAX ticket from Petro Canada at 13211 100 Street in Grande Prairie.

Evacuation order lifted for some areas as Kelly Lake wildfire remains out of control

The County of Grande Prairie has lifted the evacuation order for everyone north of Township Road 700 to 710, everyone north of Township Road 740 to Highway 43, and west of the BC/AB border to Range Road 130. The evacuation order for this part of the county has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.

The evacuation order remains in effect for everyone north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/ Alberta border to Range Road 130.

Residents in areas under an evacuation alert should remain prepared to leave on short notice. Whenever an evacuation order is issued, residents have just 30 minutes to leave.

Police release online aliases after Grande Prairie man charged with child pornography

Police believe there may be more victims after a 19-year-old Grande Prairie man was charged with child pornography-related offences.

Grande Prairie RCMP said information provided by INTERPOL led to an investigation of a man who allegedly lured children online to send intimate images.

On June 9, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Grande Prairie, seizing multiple electronic devices and a firearm.

Isaac Thomas Emson, 19, is charged with possession of child pornography, luring a child, and possession of a firearm knowing its possession was unauthorized.

Investigators said the evidence collected, including Emson’s behaviour observed during the investigation, suggests there may be additional victims, potentially beyond those contacted online.

To help identify potential victims and safeguard the online community, RCMP released the usernames and email addresses associated with Emson:

  • [email protected]
  • BLACKOUT
  • Quattro2242
  • IsaacQuattro2242
  • BlackoutQuattro2281
  • Isaac Beam
  • Whiskey181
  • Isaac E.

Anyone with information, or who may have been victimized or knows someone who was, is asked to contact Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700.

Reverend Forbes Homestead and Pioneer Hospital opens for summer this week

The Reverend Forbes Homestead and Pioneer Hospital opens for the summer on Wednesday.

The city offers free guided tours of Grande Prairie’s oldest home during operational hours of 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays to Saturdays until August 30, 2025, with the traditional tea events also slated for later this summer in July and August.

The Forbes Homestead was built between 1911 and 1912, making it the oldest home and the first hospital in Grande Prairie, and Mayor Jackie Clayton describes the facility as one of Grande Prairie’s pieces of treasured history.

“We’re pleased to welcome residents and visitors back for another summer season of guided tours, teas and meaningful connections to our community’s early roots. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the life of our first settlers.”

The landmark is classified as a Provincial Historic Resource Site, and you can learn more about all events and activities on the City of Grande Prairie website.

MD of Greenview issues evacuation order for new wildfire between Smoky River, Forestry Trunk Road

The MD of Greenview has issued an evacuation evacuation order for everyone between the Smoky River and the Forestry Trunk Road, along all points accessed from the Forestry Trunk Road from km 70 to km 126

The municipality issued the order due to an out of control wildfire located about 81 km southeast of the City of Grande Prairie and 19 km east of Highway 40.

The Forestry Trunk Road is closed from the Canfor Road (km marker 70) on the north to the Simonette Forestry Tower (km marker 126) on the south to ensure the safety of firefighters, firefighting equipment, and the travelling public.

Grande Prairie woman running across Alberta for mental health

A woman from Grande Prairie is running across Alberta, starting from Lloydminster and heading to the border with B.C.

Nicole Troyer is doing the run to raise awareness for mental health.

“I will be running a marathon a day for 19 days,” says Troyer.

The young runner will start her trek from Lloydminster City Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10.

“I plan to run 42km a day, making it across Alberta in just about three weeks. I will be splitting the marathon into three sections. Run the first 21km, walk 10km, and finish off running the last 11km.”

Troyer is raising funds for the Solstice House in Clairmont There is a GoFundMe page under Miles for Smiles where you can show your support. The site shows that funds raised so far is just over $3,000.

Troyer adds people can accompany her along the way by either walking, running, or biking.

“We are running for you to make you feel heard and seen.”

With her father as her inspiration, Troyer started running with him in 2019. Her father, Phil, will accompany her with supplied in a camper. You may follow their progress on Instagram and Facebook.

Original Story by Gerry Lampow, MyLloydMinsterNow.com

UPDATE : Saddle Hills County expands Blueberry Mountain evacuation order

At 6:30 p.m. on June 11th, Saddle Hills County expanded the evacuation order for those in the Blue Mountain area as the wildfire in the region continues to burn out of control. The Evacuation Order has been expanded to include all those located within Township Road 804 and Highway 49, between Range Road 100 and Range Road 95.

All those located within the area should evacuate immediately.

The evacuation order still remains in place for everyone located between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 794 and Township Road 810, including Moonshine Lake Provincial Park.

An Evacuation Centre has been set up at the Blueberry Mountain Hall, located at Highway 680 and Range Road 82. Please bring all important documents and essential items, including medications and pet supplies, for up to seven days. Updates will be provided, as available.

Mounties search for dash cam footage connected to possible pedestrian hit and run

The Grande Prairie RCMP are hoping the public can help them identify the driver of a vehicle involved in an alleged pedestrian hit and run last month.

Police say they responded to a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle on the street crossing at 108 Street and 104 Avenue around 3:20 p.m. on May 15th. Authorities say a white SUV, possible a Ford Edge, failed to stop and proceeded Southbound on 108 street after turning right from 104 avenue. The pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result.

Anyone who was driving in the area between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m and who may have footage which captured the incident or the licence plate of the vehicle is urged to contact police.

Grande Prairie Public Library set to kick off 2025 Summer Reading Games

The Grande Prairie Public Library soon be kicking off its Summer Reading Games, with this year’s theme aiming to combine the love of literature with the outdoors.

Taleblazers: Exploring the Outdoors Through Stories, encourages readers to connect with nature and explore the world beyond the page. There are reading game challenges for children, teens, and adults, with prizes for each category.

Those looking to take in the Summer Reading Games can do so any way they would like; as you can read chapter books, picture books, graphic novels, or listen to audiobooks and complete fun challenges to earn free books and enter draws for prizes throughout the summer.

To get participants even more excited, there will be an official kick off party on Sunday, June 22, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and will include including bounce houses, face painting, games, and activities for all ages. You can learn more about the 2025 Summer Reading Games on the GPPL website.

Grande Cache RCMP asking public for helping identifying arson suspects

0

Police are turning to the public for help with their investigation into an alleged arson in Grande Cache. 

According to local RCMP, officers received a report of the alleged incident on June 4th. According to police around 10 p.m., an unknown individual or individuals got through the back fence of a home and are said to have gone to the front door of the house and allegedly lit two boxes on fire that were on the front deck. While the family reportedly was home at the time, no injuries were reported.  

Grande Cache RCMP are asking anyone who can help identify the suspects or has information on the incident, including security camera footage or may have even witnessed suspicious activity in the “phase six” area to contact the local RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

‘Challenging’ day expected as winds could spark significant Kiskatinaw fire growth

0

County of Grande Prairie fire officials say Monday will present another challenging day battling the Kiskatinaw wildfire, as elevated winds and dry conditions present the potential for significant growth.

The forecast Monday calls for wind gusts from the west up to 50 km/h at times, with the temperature expected to hover in the low to mid 20s.

The wildfire grew significantly overnight and is now estimated at 21,675 hectares, however crews and structure protection personnel remained in the region to defend homes and critical infrastructure.

Fire behaviour was elevated through the night, driven by strong winds and low humidity. Sunday evening, the southeast section of the fire grew significantly towards the east.

Today, structure protection and defense will continue in Kelly Lake and in the County of Grande Prairie. Safety of responders is a top priority; crews will stay in place as long as it is safe to do so.

Between 20-40 people displaced after fire heavily damages Margaret Edgson Manor

Between 20 and 40 people will require temporary accommodations, including several requiring mobility assistance, after a fire tore through Margaret Edgson Manor during the early morning hours on Monday.

The Grande Prairie Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after midnight to find a well-developed fire and began immediate suppression efforts along with search and evacuation, including several residents that required mobility assistance.

Fire officials can confirm there was no loss of life at the scene, however, a number of residents were transported to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital for injury assessment and treatment.

Grande Prairie Fire Department crews remain on scene to keep an eye on potential flare ups, as well as conduct secondary searches and assisting with retrieval of pets and essential medications for displaced residents.

Slims Creek Fire continues to burn out of control, surpasses 4,000 hectares in size

Many residents in Northern Lights County remain under an evacuation alert as the Slims Creek Fire is now on the east side of Highway 35 and is out of control with additional spot fires.

As of 7 a.m. on June 9th, Alberta Wildfire is reporting the fire is approximately 4,600 hectares in size, with forecasted wind gusts of up to 50 km/h coming out of the west could create tough conditions for fire crews.

Residents located east of Highway 35, north of and adjacent to Highway 692 and Township road 952 northward to Twin Lakes must continue to be prepared for a possible evacuation, however, no evacuation order is imminent.

Be prepared to leave on short notice, which means gathering important documents, medication, food, water and clothing for a number of days, as well as preparing to move pets and livestock if necessary.

Evacuation order, alert expanded as Kiskatinaw wildfire moves further into County of Grande Prairie

The County of Grande Prairie has expanded its evacuation order and evacuation alert.

Everyone north of Township Road 700 to Highway 43, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130 is under a mandatory evacuation order.

Evacuate immediately and report to the reception centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street. Reception staff will assign accommodations—either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground. The reception centre will remain open until midnight tonight and will reopen tomorrow from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily until further notice.

The evacuation alert has expanded to include everyone north of Township Road 710 and Highway 43 to Township Road 752, east of Range Road 130 to Range Road 124. The evacuation alert is outlined in the yellow area of the attached map. Everyone in the yellow area must prepare to evacuate.

Highway 43 remains open, but anyone needing to drive through the area is encouraged to keep an eye on any updates via Alberta 511.

Overnight scanning operations indicate the wildfire has grown to 13,442 hectares, with the blaze moving northeast at a rate of 1.5 kilometres per hour.